Indianapolis, IN Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Revised Code Ch. 575 (sec. 575-1, 575-2, 575-11)
- Height limit
- 12 inches (weeds or grass)
- Cure period
- 10 days from notice (Sec. 575-5)
- Admin fee
- $288 per abatement (Sec. 131-501)
- Season
- Typically April through November
Summary
Under Revised Code Section 575-11 of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, it is unlawful for property owners and occupants to allow environmental public nuisances such as High Weeds and Grass (HWG) to exist; grass or weeds more than twelve inches tall are a violation.
Under the Revised Code of the Consolidated City of Indianapolis and Marion County, Indiana (Revised Code) Section 575-11, BNS has authority to enhance the environment and protect public health, safety, and welfare by making it unlawful for property owners and occupants to allow environmental public nuisances, such as High Weeds and Grass (HWG), to exist. ... BNS allows ten days for property owners to voluntarily bring properties into compliance. BNS has the discretion to waive HWG abatement on private property if compliance will cause undue hardship to an owner or occupant without a sufficient corresponding benefit to the health or safety of the public. ... [Trash violations include] weeds or grass more than twelve inches tall. ... The administrative fee is established at two hundred eighty-eight dollars ($288) per abatement.
Full Breakdown
The Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (BNS) enforces the Environmental Public Nuisance Ordinance (Revised Code Chapter 575) for high weeds and grass on private property; the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) also has independent authority and classifies weeds or grass more than twelve inches tall as a trash/nuisance violation. After a complaint is received through the Mayor's Action Center / RequestIndy and a violation is documented (Rev. Code Sec. 575-5), BNS allows ten days for owners to voluntarily bring the property into compliance.
If the owner fails to act, the City abates the nuisance and recovers its costs; the administrative fee is set by Rev. Code Sec. 131-501. BNS may continue to re-inspect and abate subsequent violations approximately every 30 days during the HWG season, which typically runs April through November. BNS may waive abatement where compliance causes undue hardship without a corresponding public-health benefit (Rev. Code Sec. 575-10). 1 is the state enabling statute that authorizes municipalities to require removal of weeds and rank vegetation.
Violations & Fines
Owners who do not comply within ten days are billed the City's abatement costs plus an administrative fee established at $288 per abatement under Revised Code Sec. 131-501, plus disposal and labor/equipment fees; unpaid charges may become a lien on the property (see Rev. Code Sec. 575-12; IC 36-1-6-2, 36-1-6-4).
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can my grass or weeds get in Indianapolis?
How long do I have to mow after a notice?
What does the City charge if it mows for me?
How do I report tall weeds or grass?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Indianapolis
How Indianapolis compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·Compare Indianapolis to another location·View the Indiana landscaping rules overview
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